Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 255 AM EST Sat Jan 16 2021 Valid 12Z Sat Jan 16 2021 - 12Z Mon Jan 18 2021 ...Rains expected for the major cities in the Northeast with heavy snow possible in the mountains... ...Another day of record-breaking warmth along with Red Flag Warnings for portions Southern California on Saturday... ...Potentially damaging winds expected across portions of Northern and Central California beginning Sunday night... Expect a quieter weekend ahead across the northern Plains and Upper Midwest, as the powerful system that brought strong, gusty winds and blizzard conditions to portions of the region continues to gradually weaken and shift east. However, a series of disturbances moving around the upper low will likely produce periods of snow from the Great Lakes into the Ohio and Tennessee valleys and central Appalachians on Saturday. While widespread heavy accumulations are not expected, these snow showers may become locally intense -- resulting in reduced visibilities and hazardous driving conditions. Farther to the east, low pressure will continue to develop along the system's leading cold front. This will support areas of heavy rain and snow as it moves into the Northeast on Saturday. While mostly rain is expected along the coast, including the major metropolitan areas, heavy snow accumulations are possible for the Adirondacks, as well as the mountains of northern New England. In the West, dry and unseasonably warm conditions are expected to continue across much of California, Nevada and Arizona through the weekend. Another day of record-setting temperatures is forecast for Saturday across portions of Southern California. The warm and dry conditions, along with gusty winds continue to prompt Red Flag Warnings for parts of Southern California as well. A High Wind Watch is in effect for portions of Northern and Central California. A front dropping through the state is expected to bring potentially damaging winds into the region beginning Sunday night and continuing into Tuesday. Pereira Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_ndfd.php